A MAN from Halstead is starring in a series of YouTube videos to help deliver vital safety information to people who have communication difficulties.

Matt Hunter, who has been supported by TLC Care in Blamsters Farm, Halstead, since 2006 and has a passion for acting and film, was enlisted by UK Power Networks in a move that will make their information more accessible to those with specialist and complex communication needs, such as deafness.

Matt, who has Down’s syndrome, was picked up by the UK’s biggest electricity distributor after an industry-leading project to provide helpful advice in a more inclusive way was given the go-ahead.

There are 38 residents across TLC Care’s 12 homes who use Makaton sign language and Matt is familiar with its use.

In the two videos, the Makaton Charity’s Mike Harris informs customers of the additional support they can receive if they have a power cut and how to stay safe around electrical equipment.

He communicates using Makaton, a form of sign language that involves the use of signs and symbols and is designed to be used alongside the spoken language, and describes the actions of Matt that play out in the background.

TLC Care’s director of operations Alan Betts said: “Matt was excited to have been chosen to appear in this video, which we will feel will be extremely useful for organisations in the care sector, and we commend UK Power Networks’ initiative in using Makaton to make this information available.”

In addition to Makaton, UK Power Networks has other inclusive resources such as British Sign Language, Braille, EasyRead, audio and it provides information in the top 14 non-English languages.

UK Power Networks spokesman Kerry Potter said: “We are proud to be providing resources for people with complex communication needs, making sure they have equal access to our services and feel truly included.

“We want to lead the way in providing a fairer and more inclusive system for all our customers and these videos are part of that work.

“Our employees are mindful of individual differences and needs, and we are always looking for new and effective ways to cater for them.”